Soft Contact Lenses
What Are Soft Contact Lenses?
Soft contact lenses are thin, flexible discs placed directly on the eye to improve vision. They are made from special water-containing plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, keeping your eyes healthy during wear.
There are several types of soft contact lenses available to fit different needs and lifestyles. Your eye doctor will help you choose the best option.
- Daily disposables, such as Acuvue Moist, are thrown away after one use and are ideal for people with allergies or busy lifestyles.
- Bi-weekly or monthly lenses, such as Biofinity, can be worn for longer periods with proper nightly cleaning and storage.
- Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism by staying in the correct position on the eye.
- Multifocal lenses help with both near and far vision, ideal for people over 40 experiencing presbyopia.
- Colored lenses offer vision correction while allowing you to change or enhance your eye color.
Most soft lenses are made from either hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Hydrogel lenses hold a lot of water to stay soft but allow less oxygen to pass through. Silicone hydrogel lenses, found in brands like Air Optix, allow much more oxygen to reach your eyes, which reduces dryness and keeps eyes looking and feeling healthy.
Soft lenses are more flexible and generally feel comfortable right away compared to rigid gas permeable (RGP) or hard lenses, which often take time to get used to. Soft contacts mold to the shape of your eye, making them easier for most new wearers and helping them stay in place better during sports and other activities.
A critical factor for safe contact lens wear is oxygen permeability, which is the lens's ability to let oxygen reach your cornea. High oxygen flow helps maintain healthy corneal tissue, reduces the risk of dryness, and prevents complications like swelling or the growth of new blood vessels. This is why silicone hydrogel lenses are often recommended for long-term eye health.
Benefits of Wearing Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses offer many advantages for vision correction, from all-day comfort to the flexibility for an active lifestyle. They can improve quality of life by providing clear sight without the limitations of glasses.
Because of their flexible design, soft lenses typically feel comfortable from the first wear. Unlike glasses, they do not slip down your nose or fog up in different weather conditions. With practice, they are easy to insert and remove, making them a simple and convenient choice for daily vision correction.
Soft contact lenses correct a wide range of vision problems while providing a natural field of view without frames blocking your side vision. Since they sit directly on the eye, others may not even notice you are wearing them, and you can wear non-prescription sunglasses or protective eyewear over them easily.
Specialized soft lenses are available for different eye conditions and lifestyles. These options allow more people than ever to enjoy the benefits of contact lenses.
- Custom soft lenses can be made for eyes with irregular shapes or very high prescriptions.
- Daily disposable lenses are a great option for people with allergies, as they minimize the buildup of pollen and other irritants.
- UV-protective lenses help shield the parts of your eye they cover from harmful ultraviolet radiation, supporting long-term eye health.
Soft lenses provide freedom from the limitations of glasses. They allow for better peripheral vision, no fogging, and comfortable wear during exercise, outdoor activities, and sports. You can participate in your favorite hobbies without worrying about your glasses getting in the way or breaking.
How to Care for Soft Contact Lenses
Proper care is essential for keeping your soft contact lenses safe and your eyes healthy. Following simple daily habits can prevent infections and ensure your lenses perform well and remain comfortable.
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly with a lint-free towel before handling your lenses. Use a multipurpose cleaning solution like Biotrue or Opti-Free to clean and store them. Gently rub each lens with the solution to remove protein and debris, then rinse completely before placing them in a clean case with fresh solution.
Store your lenses in fresh disinfecting solution each night and replace your lens case at least every three months to avoid germ buildup. Always follow the replacement schedule for your lens type, daily, bi-weekly, or monthly. Using preservative-free rewetting drops like Refresh Contacts can help if your lenses feel dry during the day.
Take care to avoid contaminating your lenses by always using clean hands and fresh solution. Avoid touching the lens edges with fingernails or sharp objects. Never reuse or top off old solution, and never use tap water or saliva, as they can carry harmful bacteria that cause serious eye infections.
Be alert for warning signs such as redness, pain, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, or excessive tearing, as these may indicate an eye infection or a poor lens fit. If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor promptly for guidance.
Common Questions About Soft Contact Lenses
Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions patients have about wearing and caring for soft contact lenses. If you have other questions, our eye care team is here to help.
Soft lenses are safe for most people when used correctly. However, certain eye conditions like severe dry eye, frequent infections, or corneal irregularities may make them unsuitable. A comprehensive eye exam will determine if you are a good candidate.
Most people adjust to soft lenses within a few days. Because of their flexibility, they usually feel comfortable much faster than hard lenses. Starting with shorter wear times and gradually increasing the duration helps your eyes adapt easily.
You should never sleep in your contact lenses unless your doctor specifically prescribes extended-wear lenses that are approved for overnight use. Sleeping in regular lenses greatly increases the risk of serious eye infections and inflammation.
Dryness can result from many factors, including your environment or lens deposits. Using preservative-free rewetting drops, blinking regularly, and switching to a lens designed for moisture can improve comfort. If dryness persists, your doctor may suggest alternative lenses or dry eye treatments.
Yes, many teenagers successfully wear soft lenses. Age is less important than maturity and responsibility, since safe lens wear requires carefully following all cleaning and replacement instructions. Your eye doctor can help decide if a teen is ready.
It is best to avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming or showering, as water can expose your eyes to harmful microorganisms that cause severe infections. If you must wear them, the safest option is to use a fresh pair of daily disposable lenses with watertight swim goggles.
Yes, but you should always apply makeup after inserting your lenses and remove your lenses before taking makeup off. This helps prevent makeup residue from getting trapped under the lens and irritating your eye. Avoid lash-extending mascaras, as the fibers can flake off into your eye.
Colored contact lenses are safe only when they are prescribed and properly fitted by an eye doctor, even if you do not need vision correction. Over-the-counter decorative lenses without a prescription should be avoided, as they can damage your eyes and cause serious harm.
Wearing lenses beyond their replacement schedule can cause protein buildup, dryness, blurry vision, and discomfort. More seriously, it significantly increases your risk of developing a painful and potentially sight-threatening eye infection. Always follow your doctor's recommended replacement timeline.
Yes, contact lenses are medical devices and have an expiration date printed on their packaging. Wearing expired lenses or using expired cleaning solution increases the risk of eye infections and discomfort, as the material may degrade or the seal may no longer be sterile.
Yes, some soft lenses are specifically designed for people with sensitive eyes. Daily disposable lenses are often the best choice, as they prevent the daily buildup of allergens and irritants that can accumulate on reusable lenses, providing a fresh, clean lens every day.
If you feel a scratching sensation or your vision becomes blurry, remove the lens and inspect it on your fingertip for tears or nicks. If a lens slips under your eyelid, look down, gently lift your upper lid, and use a clean finger to slide the lens back into view. Contact your doctor if removal is difficult or painful.
Yes, certain multifocal soft contact lenses have been shown to slow the progression of nearsightedness (myopia) in children. These specialized lenses require a precise fitting and regular monitoring by an eye care professional experienced in pediatric myopia management.
Routine annual eye exams are essential for all contact lens wearers to monitor eye health and ensure your prescription is up to date. Your doctor will check that your lenses still fit properly and are not causing any subtle, symptom-free changes to your eyes.
Taking Care of Your Eyes
Soft contact lenses can be a wonderful way to see clearly and live an active lifestyle. To keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp, be sure to follow all lens care instructions and attend your regular eye exams. Our eye care team is here to help you choose the best lenses for your vision and daily activities.